Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): What UK Packaging Producers Need to Know

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) represents one of the most significant changes to UK packaging legislation in recent years. Introduced to replace the previous Producer Responsibility Packaging Regulations, EPR places greater accountability on businesses for the full life cycle of the packaging they place on the UK market.

At SystemPAK, we work closely with food producers, manufacturers and packers across the UK, so we understand how these changes affect real businesses in practical terms. This guide explains what EPR is, who it applies to, what data must be reported and how to stay compliant.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a UK government scheme designed to improve recycling outcomes by shifting the full net cost of packaging waste management onto producers.

Under EPR, businesses that place packaging onto the UK market are responsible for the costs associated with managing that packaging once it becomes waste. This includes collection, sorting, recycling and disposal.

The aim is to encourage:

• Better packaging design
• Increased recyclability
• Reduced environmental impact across the supply chain

EPR officially replaced the previous PRN-based Producer Responsibility Packaging Regulations, introducing more detailed reporting and new cost structures.

Who needs to comply with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)?

EPR applies to UK organisations that handle or supply packaging, including:

• Food and drink manufacturers
• Ready-meal producers
• Delis and food processors
• Pet food manufacturers
• Importers and brand owners
• Businesses selling packaged goods to UK households

Compliance is based on turnover and tonnage of packaging handled, assessed at group level.

Small Producer vs Large Producer: What’s the difference?

Small Producer

You are classed as a Small Producer if:

• Your latest annual turnover is over £1 million, and
• You handle more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year, and
• Either your turnover is below £2 million or your packaging tonnage is below 50 tonnes

Reporting requirement:

• Annual reporting only

Large Producer

You are classed as a Large Producer if:

• Your latest annual turnover is over £2 million, and
• You handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year

Reporting requirement:

• Biannual reporting
• Full obligation applies

What packaging data must be reported?

Producers must report their obligated packaging data for the period 1 January to 31 December.

All data must be:

• Reported in kilograms
• Split by packaging class
• Split by material type
• Identified by whether it carries your own branding

Packaging classes you must report

• Primary packaging – packaging directly around a single sales unit
• Secondary packaging – packaging grouping multiple sales units
• Tertiary packaging – pallet-level or distribution packaging
• Shipment packaging – outer or transit packaging supplied to households

This level of detail is essential under EPR and applies regardless of packaging format, including rigid containers, tubs, trays, films and sleeves.

When do you need to report?

Small Producers

• Annual submission
• Deadline: 1 April following the obligation year

Large Producers

• Biannual submissions
  • 1 January to 30 June → due by 1 October
  • 1 July to 31 December → due by 1 April of the following year

All submissions are made through the government’s Report Packaging Data (RPD) platform.

What costs are introduced under EPR?

EPR introduces a revised cost structure made up of:

• Existing recycling obligations (PRN-related costs)
• Modulated disposal fees (for household packaging only)

These fees are designed to reflect how recyclable packaging is, meaning material choice and packaging design now have a direct financial impact.

How SystemPAK supports EPR-ready packaging

While SystemPAK does not provide regulatory advice, we support our customers by supplying:

• Clearly specified packaging materials
• Consistent product data to support accurate reporting
• Packaging formats suitable for recycling streams
• Advice on selecting packaging aligned with sustainability goals

From tamper-evident containers and freezer-grade tubs to trays, buckets and sleeves, our range is designed with real-world compliance and performance in mind.

Choosing the right packaging from the outset can simplify reporting, improve recyclability and reduce long-term cost exposure under EPR.

Key takeaways for producers

• EPR applies to most businesses handling packaging in the UK
• Reporting obligations depend on turnover and packaging tonnage
• Detailed material and packaging class data is mandatory
• Deadlines are strict and apply annually or biannually
• Packaging design now directly impacts compliance costs

If you would like support selecting packaging formats that align with EPR reporting requirements or sustainability objectives, the SystemPAK team is always happy to help guide you through your options.

Get in touch!

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In this period of rising inflation, it makes particularly strong business sense. Whether you are selling hot or cold items, sealed plastic containers can be used to keep raw or cooked ingredients in good order for longer. In the longer term, exposing food to oxygen, freezer burn and other outside elements are the main reasons that it deteriorates. Airtight vacuum sealing your items can prevent freezer burn, help to keep food fresh and ensures food will hold more flavour during meal prep. 

Sealed plastic food containers are surprisingly durable and simple to use. Sealing minimises the chance of spillage, ensuring excellent presentation and accurate portion control. Thanks to their airtight lids, heat is also retained for longer and cold items are kept at a lower temperature. It enables producers to supply food products that look and taste better. So, it is easy to see how delis, takeaways, catering businesses, supermarkets and even canteens all benefit from using top seal containers.

SystemPAK’s quality airtight seal food containers come in a range of shapes and sizes. They produce a great range of food storage containers to suit every different type of food product and most are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe. Options include deli trays, meal trays and gastro trays in a variety of colours, as well as an accompanying selection of films. These are designed to be adopted alongside an easy to use manual aluminium compatible heat sealing film system to ensure airtightness. 

Most of these vacuum seal containers from SystemPAK are recyclable or compostable and carry relevant food certifications. So, they can be used safely for a variety of storage needs as well for food on the go. To fully heat seal your food product is quick, easy and cost-effective. You simply lay out the items from your supply Manual Table Top Heat Sealing Machine. Then unscrew the screws at the back of the machine carefully and screw the roller support bars in place. 

Once you have completed the initial phase, then attach the rollers, place the film between the rollers and place the container into the machine. Plug in the machine, switch it on and set it to the required temperature for your choice of film. Then, wait for your machine to heat up and pull the film through to the end of the container. Place the holding flap in place and pull the lid down for two to five seconds. Now your product is sealed, stamped and ready to go. 

Check out our handy YouTube video for an accompanying visual guide.

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